Arsenal’s designated penalty kick taker for the previous two seasons was Bukayo Saka, but it appears the England international has since been replaced.
As Arsenal’s replacement for the penalty shooter, Bukayo Saka has been dealt a shocking snub. This evening’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace saw Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard take on the duty of converting from the penalty spot.
Eddie Nketiah was fouled by Sam Johnstone of Palace inside the penalty area, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead over the Eagles at the moment. For the past two seasons, Saka has been the Gunners’ designated penalty-kick taker; however, it now appears that Odegaard has taken Saka’s place.
It’s unclear whether manager Mikel Arteta made this decision alone or whether the players discussed it. It might even be a one-time choice.
The Norwegian playmaker stepped up to take the penalty shot, which the Arsenal captain coolly converted from 12 yards away to give the Gunners a deserved 1-0 lead in the second half, surprising many spectators. Saka has converted four of his five penalties in the Premier League, missing his most recent opportunity against West Ham in April when the North Londoners were held to a 2-2 draw.
As a result of losing ground to Manchester City in their race for first place in the Premier League, Arsenal ultimately finished in second place by a margin of five points. Four months ago, the England international may have made the decision to switch penalty takers at the Emirates Stadium as a result of his missed penalty kick.
If this is a long-lasting change, only time will tell. Takehiro Tomiyasu was dismissed from the game for a second booking just moments after Odegaard gave Arsenal the lead.
According to the new Premier League rules that were implemented, the Japanese defender was initially issued a booking for wasting time. The Gunners were then down to ten men for the final 20 minutes after Tomiyasu received a second caution for a shirt pull.
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